Prepare
Lock the manuscript, query, synopsis, sample pages, author bio, and honest series status.
Agents • Editors • Imprints • Book Rights
Agent & Publisher Coordination
Maps the relationship between literary agents, acquisitions editors, publishers, imprints, and book-to-screen pathways.
Agent Search
Prioritize agents who represent the genre, format, and adaptation potential.
Publisher Fit
Separate traditional publishing, indie publishing, hybrid models, and imprint-specific submissions.
Follow-up Discipline
Track query dates, responses, requested materials, and rejection patterns.
The agent is the lead commercial coordinator
For trade publishing, Aurora’s preferred path begins with a literary agent who can position the manuscript, select appropriate editors, manage competing interest, and negotiate the full rights package. Direct publisher submissions are used only where an imprint openly accepts them and the route does not interfere with active agent work.
Represent
Agree on editorial revisions, market position, submission strategy, and rights priorities.
Submit
Approach selected acquiring editors with a controlled package and clear response tracking.
Negotiate
Compare advance, royalties, accounting, publication commitment, rights, and reversion language.
Information that must stay synchronized
Submission ledger
Agent or editor, imprint, date, exact manuscript version, materials sent, status, response, and next action.
Rights ledger
English-language, territory, print, e-book, audio, translation, dramatic, game, merchandise, and sequel rights tracked separately.
Offer matrix
Every proposal compared on economics, editorial vision, timing, distribution, marketing, control, and long-term rights—not advance alone.
No duplicate grants: the same exclusive right
cannot be promised to multiple publishers. Separate publishers may
handle distinct languages, territories, or formats only when the
contracts divide those rights cleanly.
Decision gates
| Gate | Decision | Evidence required |
|---|---|---|
| Agent offer | Whether to accept representation | Agency agreement, sales record, editorial plan, submission strategy, and references. |
| Publisher interest | Whether to authorize or continue negotiations | Imprint fit, editor vision, proposed rights, schedule, and financial terms. |
| Contract signature | Whether the complete agreement protects the work | Final written language reviewed by the agent and, when warranted, publishing counsel. |
| Adaptation approach | Whether dramatic rights remain available | Chain of title, existing grants, proposed option scope, term, compensation, and reversion. |
Agent or publisher inquiry
Identify the manuscript, requested material, and your professional role.